Neoen to expand Australian battery to 540MWh

Renewable energy producer Neoen has announced plans to expand its Western Downs Battery in Queensland, Australia to 270 MW / 540 MWh. 

The battery was initially supposed to have a capacity of 200 MW / 400 MWh.

The extension will be delivered by Tesla and construction contractor UGL, which began construction of the initial stage of the project in January 2023. 

“With its greater capacity, the battery intends to play an even more central role in Queensland’s rapidly accelerating energy transition which is resulting in a growing need for storage and related network services,” a statement said. 

Western Downs Battery, consisting of Tesla Megapack 2XL units, leverages the existing infrastructure of Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub. The Hub includes Australia’s largest solar farm - with a 460 MWp capacity - which has recently been commissioned. Queensland’s transmission network operator Powerlink will be delivering the project’s connection works and a dedicated high-voltage line into the Western Downs substation. The battery is expected to start operating in the Australian summer of 2024/25. 

Louis de Sambucy, Neoen Australia’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be expanding the Western Downs Battery, demonstrating our willingness to play an increasingly central role in Queensland’s rapid decarbonisation. We would like to thank Tesla, UGL and Powerlink for their hard work and ongoing commitment to delivering this project. We are thrilled to have big batteries operating or under construction in 5 Australian states and territories.” 

Paul Simshauser, Powerlink Queensland’s CEO, commented: “Batteries will continue to play a critical role in the changing generation mix as we work towards a low emissions future. Increasing the capacity of Neoen’s Western Downs Battery to store Queensland’s valuable wind and solar resources will help keep the grid in a secure operating state and offer greater stability to Queenslanders.”